DROWNING

August 03, 2016

FOLLOW ALL WATER SAFETY GUIDELINES WHEN AROUND WATER

Check out the attached poster to know what to look out for when somebody is drowning. It may not be what you expect. Children make noise while playing in the water, if they are quite find out why. If somebody is drowning follow the following Irish Water Safety guidelines.

VOICE Seek help by shouting HELP Call 999/112 and ask for MARINE RESCUE Talk to the casualty in a calm manner and try to direct them to safety if no rescue equipment available

REACH If that fails use something like a branch of a tree, stick or similar reaching equipment to complete a reaching rescue

THROW When available always use proper rescue equipment and throw it to the casualty. Eg. ringbuoy, lifebelt, throw rope

WADE If location allows and you are trained you can wade out in the water. Do not go out of your own depth and never let a drowning person grab on to you but bring something for them to hold (towel, coat, safety equipment) and pull them in to safety.

DON'T GO If you cannot safely reach the casualty by wading or rowing then wait for trained help

CPR Once you remove a casualty from the water find out if they are breathing. If they are not breathing start CPR. Continue until they start breathing or help arrives.